A buyer is interested in purchasing an acreage property near Cochrane, Alberta. During the due diligence period, they discover that the current owner has a valid water well. Which of the following statements about water rights in Alberta is correct?

Question: A buyer is interested in purchasing an acreage property near Cochrane, Alberta. During the due diligence period, they discover that the current owner has a valid water well. Which of the following statements about water rights in Alberta is correct?

Answer options:

• The buyer will automatically acquire the water rights through an easement registered on title.
• Water rights are typically appurtenant to the land and transfer with the property unless explicitly excluded.
• The buyer must apply for a new water licence, as water rights are not transferable. ✅ Water rights in Alberta are always owned by the Crown and permit usage is granted, not ownership.

Correct answer: Water rights in Alberta are always owned by the Crown and permit usage is granted, not ownership.

Explanation: In Alberta, water is a public resource, and all water in the province is owned by the Crown. Rights to use water are granted through licences issued under the Water Act, not through private ownership of the water itself.